Cigarette and smoke filter and flavor means



Sept. 5, 1967 L. w. KARALUS AND FLAVOR MEANS CIGARETTE AND SMOKE FlLTER Filed March 12, 1965 2 Sheets$heet l vrv'r I I I l I I INVENTOR. Lew W Kara/us L. w. KARALUS 3,339,557

CIGARETTE AND SMOKE FILTER AND FLAVOR MEANSv Sept. 5,1967

Filed March 12, '1965 '2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. L ew W Kara us United States Patent O 3,339,557 CIGARETTE AND SMOKE FILTER AND FLAVOR MEANS Lew W. Karalus, 925 William St., Bridgeport, Conn. 06608 Filed Mar. 12, 1965, Ser. No. 439,184 13 Claims. (Cl. 131-4) This invention relates to a cigarette and smoke filter and flavor devices for use therewith.

An object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved smoke filter means, and combination of cigarette and filter means which is effective to the maximum possible degree in eliminating noxious tars and other injurious substances from the cigarette or tobacco smoke, thereby to largely minimize the possible hazards of smokmg.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved filter cigarette and improved smoke filter unit which are so constituted that the filter is rendered operative by a positive and intentional act on the part of the user, and are also so constituted that the ,filter is inoperative to permit smoking of the cigarette unless it has first been activated or placed inoperative condition by the user. Thus, the circumstance where a cigarette can be smoked without the filterbeing fullyactive to protect the smoker, is prevented.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved and highly elfective smoke filter in accordance with the foregoing, which is so constituted that it may be used either as a unit incorporated in the cigarette wrapper itself or else as a unit incorporated in an elongate cigarette holder, to filter the smoke of either filtered or unfiltered cigarettes.

A feature of the invention resides in the provision of an improved smoke filter as above set forth, which is especially easy to place in operation, is simple in construction and economical and foolproof in its functioning to the maximum possible extent.

Other features of the invention reside in the provision of an improved cigarette or tobacco smoke filtration unit as outlined, which is relatively small in size andcompact, enabling it to be readily incorporated in a cigarette wrapper with the smoking tobacco, and which may be constituted as a single unitary device either for use in the cigarette wrapper or else for use in a cigarette holder.

Still another object of the invention is to Provide an improved filter and flavored cigarette of the type wherein the filtering and/ or flavoring means is rendered operative by a positive act on the part of the user, said act being either intentional for such purpose or else of another nature such as the removal of the cigarette from the pack.

Another feature of the invention resides in the provision of a novel and improved cigarette and flavordevice wherein the flavoring medium is sealed and kept at full strength until such time as the cigarette is placed in use, and wherein the release of the flavoring means is either intentionally effected or else automatically effected as a consequence of removal of a cigarette from the package.

Other features and advantages will hereinafter appear.

In the drawings accompanyingthis specification, similar characters of reference are used to designate like components throughout the several views, in which:

FIG. 1 is an axial sectional view of an improved cigarette and smoke filtering unit as provided by the'invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view, greatly enlarged, of a compressed charcoal granule as provided by the invention and incorporated in the filtering unit of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a view similar to that of FIG. 2, but show- 3,339,557 Patented Sept. 5, 1967- ing a different type of compressed charcoal filtering granule. A FIG. 4 is an axial sectional view of a cigarette holder having incorporated in it the improved smoke filtering unit provided by the invention. 7

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation, greatly enlarged, illustrating one procedure which may be employed in making the compressed, passage-containing charcoal granules.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary axial sectional view through a cigarette, showing a smoke filtering and flavoring means which constitutes another embodiment of the invention. FIG. 7 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view through the bottom corner portion of a pack of cigarettes, illustrating the arrangement by which withdrawal of cigarettes causes the activation of the filtering and flavoring means. Referring first to FIGS. 13, the cigarette and filter assemblage illustrated therein comprises a usual mass or pencil 10 of cigarette tobacco, carried in a usual type of paper or paper-like cigarette wrapper 12. At one end,-

the cigarette wrapper 12 has a conventional filter plug or unit 14, which may be of cellulose or other like material commonly employed to effect a filtration of the cigarette smoke and to remove the harmful tars and other byproducts of the smoking and burning process.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a novel and improved smoke filtering unit designated generally by the numeral 16, said filter unit being constituted of compressed charcoal or charcoal granules having a multiplicity of air passages of extremely small diameter disposed therein, said filter also including means by .which both ends of the mass of passage-provided compressed charcoal granules may be moistened prior to smoking of the cigarette.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, types of compressed charcoal granules 18 or 20 as provided by the invention, comprise compacted masses having a much greater density than ordinary activated or unactivated charcoal, said compacted or compressed charcoal granules being further characterized by a multiplicity of air passages 22 (in FIG. 2) or, in the case of the granule 20 ofFIG. 3, passages 24. In the compacted and compressed charcoal granule 18 the passages 22 extend haphazardly in all diflerent directions, whereas in the compacted charcoal granule 20 of FIG. 3 the passages 24 are disposed in groups, wherein the passages in each group are parallel to each other.

One way of forming the passage-containing compacted or compressed charcoal granules :18, 20 is illustrated in FIG. 5. In this figure there are shown two sets of very fine stainless steel wires 28, 30 having great tensile strength. The wires 28 generally extend in parallel directions, and at one set of adjoining ends they are twisted together and welded, as indicated at 32. The wires 30 are also likewise generally disposed in parallelism and have one set of adjoining ends twisted and welded as indicated at 34. A quantity of charcoal 36 is molded and compressed about the sets of wires 28, 30 said sets having been first disposed so as to cross each other substantially at right angles as indicated in FIG. 5. A haphazard intermingling of the wires is preferable, although other arrangements may be followed. After the charcoal material 38 (having, if desired, a binder which may be advantageously constituted of pectin) has been molded and compacted about the sets of wires 28, 30 the wires are withdrawn while the compressed charcoal granule thus formed is retained either in the mold which has beenrelieved of pressure, or else in a suitable holder device. It will be understood that the compacting of the charcoal and forming of the granule 36 does not utilize such powerful forces as to greatly distort the wires 28, 30, and prevent the withdrawal of the same. Preferably the charcoal material prior to being compacted and molded into the granule 36 is finely pulverized and either mixed with viscous pectin so as to constitute a moistened mass, or else mixed with a pulverized or powdered binder having pectin or pectin-like material in it.

The granules 18 of FIG. 2 may also be formed by starting with a haphazard bunch of fine fibers of cellulose or other substance capable of burning or vaporizing under the action of heat. A small quantity of finely powdered charcoal containing a heat-resistant binder is compressed around the fibers to form a small pellet or granule. The granule thus formed is then subjected to intense heat to burn out or vaporize out the fibers, leaving a porous or cellulose granular structure having the passages 22.

Further, when the compressed charcoal filter body indicated at 38 in FIG. 1 is formed or placed in the jacket it may contain additional pectin, or powdered conditioner containing pectin or like materials.

Referring again to FIG. 1, on opposite sides of the compressed charcoal body or mass 38 I provide frangible, moisture and flavor containing capsules 40, 42 having walls formed of water-insoluable plastic substance, such capsules being provided with tear strings 44, 46 secured at the points 48 to frangible portions of the walls and also secured to the capsules at other points 50, the points 48, 50 being preferably at opposite sides or ends of the frangible capsules. The tear strings 44, 46 may come out of the filter or mouthpiece end of the cigarette as separate strings or else, as shown in FIG. l the string 44 may be secured to the string 46 so that only the single string 46 projects from the mouthpiece end of the cigarette.

The chambers in which the frangible capsules 40, 42 are disposed, at the opposite ends of the charcoal mass 38, are preferably coated or lined with pectin.

The wrapper 12 at the filter portions of the cigarette is made to be waterproof, either by suitable treatment or else by the use of a special impervious material.

The capsules 40, 42 may contain menthol or other smoke-flavoring volatile or non-volatile agents which, because of the sealed capsule construction, will remain fresh and at full strength until the capsules are broken. This is an important feature and advantage of the invention.

The operation of the filter unit is briefly as follows: Prior to the cigarette being lighted, the string 46 is pulled outwardly, thus rupturing the capsules 40, 42 and also collapsing the walls of the same, whereby the water or moisturizing and/ or flavoring liquid in the capsules will be absorbed by the compressed charcoal filtering mass 38, such absortion occurring at both ends of the charcoal mass. The user now lights the cigarette and smokes in the usual manner. The cigarette smoke, in passing through the multiplicity of small passages of the moistened compressed charcoal filter body 38 will lose much of their tar and other content considered to be injurious to health, and will also be flavored by agents which are not subjected to or destroyed by the heat of the burning.

The presence of the moisture has been found to have a beneficial effect in removing noxious substance from the tobacco smoke. The unique combination embodied in the present improved filter, comprising the moisturizing means and also the compressed charcoal body provided with the multiplicity of small passages extending through the formed granules of compressed charcoal, is especially effective in removing to the maximum possible degree, injurious ingredients of the tobacco smoke. Such filtered smoke, now passing through the regular or conventional filter 14 is further purified, to the extent that the cancerproducing and other noxious substance are largely eliminated.

In FIG. 4 there is illustrated a usual type of cigarette holder 56 having incorporated in it a novel compressed charcoal filtering unit designated generally by the numeral 58. The filtering unit 58 comprises a mass of charcoal 60 containing granules such as those illustrated in FIGS. 2

and 3 provided with a multiplicity of minute through I 60 are disposed frangible moisture-containing capsules 62, 64 provided with tear strings 66, 68 respectively. A wrapped or jacket 70 surrounds the charcoal body 60 and also the capsules 62, 64 and perforated end walls 72, 74 are provided at the ends of the jacket 70 to confine the capsules 62. The tear strings 66, 68 pass out through the end walls 72, 74 respectively. The filter assemblage as thus provided is of a size such that it may be readily inserted in the cigarette holder 56. The perforations at the end walls 72, 74 readily permit the passage of air and smoke through the filter unit, and the appreciably great length of the charcoal body 60 insures a thorough and effective filtering of the cigarette smoke.

The moisturizing of the filter has been found to be more effective than a dry filter, in protecting the cilia (which are the fine hair-like projections or cells on the linings of the bronchial tubes). Further, it has been found that drawing smoke through compressed charcoal cuts down the cilia-injuring gases more than drawing the smoke through a filter of granulated activated charcoal. The filter element of the present invention thus is doubly beneficial by the inclusion of the moisture in the filter, as well as by the use of compressed charcoal for the main filtering medium. The presence of the pectin also helps the filter to retain moisture and has an added beneficial effect in this respect.

Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 6-, which shows a cigarette wrapper containing tobacco 82 and a moisture and flavor-containing capsule 84 with tear strings 86. The cigarette has a filter plug 88 which may contain charcoal, cellulose fibers or other material, and hasat its mouthpiece end a plug 90 of filter or other substance, provided with a small central opening or bore 92 through which the smoke is sucked. Between the plugs 90 and the filter 88 there is an air space 94, in which there is disposed a cup-shaped smoke deflecting piece 96 preferably secured at its center to the filter element 88. When the user puffs on the cigarette the smoke in passing through the filter 88 is deflected by the cup-shaped piece 96 so that it swirls in the air chamber 94 prior to being sucked out through the central passage 92 of the plug 90. There is, in effect, somewhat of a Venturi action by virtue of the provision of the cup 96 and central passage 92, and the swirling flavored and filtered smoke may be mixed with air at this place, as by the provision of a series of small vent openings 98 (shown in exaggerated size). Or, the vent openings 98 may be omitted if desired. The flavoring agents which have permeated the filter 88 will flavor the smoke while at the same time the tars and other injurious factors are being removed, and it has been found that the resultant filtered and flavored smoke is of a very pleasing quality.

In FIG. 7 a number of cigarettes 100 made in accordance with the invention, have their tear strings 102 secured to the bottom corner portion 104 of the cigarette Wrapper or package 106. As each cigarette 100 is removed from the package, the tear string (in being anchored) will break open the moisture and flavor-containing capsule in the cigarette, and this will be done without requiring an intentional act on the part of the user. When the cigarette is being ignited, the permeated filter element having the menthol or other flavoring ingredients will immediately flavor the smoke at full strength, thereby providing for the maximum benefit from the flavoring agents.

It will now be understood from the foregoing that I have provided an improved filter cigarette and tobacco smoke filtering and flavoring unit which is especially effective in removing injurious substances from and flavoring the smoke while at the same time being simple and easily fabricated, and being small and compact whereby it may be readily incorporated either in the cigarette wrapper or else in a cigarette holder.

Variations and modifications may be made within the scope of the claims, and portions of the improvement may be used without others.

I claim: 1. Filter means for a cigarette, comprising in combinaing out at the mouthpiece end of the cigarette wrapper, to enable the capsule to be ruptured by a pull on said tear string.

11. A cigarette as defined in claim 10, wherein:

tion: 5 (a) a plug having a smoke passing bore in its center (a) a mass of compressed charcoal, portion, is disposed in the mouthpiece portion of the (b) frangible, moisture-containing capsules disposed wrapper in spaced relation to the filter plug,

outwardly of and at opposite sides of the mass, and (b) a cup-shaped piece disposed in the space between (c) a tubular jacket surrounding said charcoal mass the said plug and filter elements and arranged to be and capsules, 1O coaxial with the cigarette wrapper and spaced from (d) said jacket being open at its ends, to permit the the latter whereby smoke passing through the filter passage of air through said jacket. element will travel in swirling fashion pass the cup- 2. The invention as defined in claim 1, wherein: shaped piece, to be withdrawn through the smoke pas- (a) the compressed charcoal comprises granules, sage of the said plug.

(b) said granules each having a multiplicity of minute 12. As a new article of manufacture, a cigarette packpassages therethrough. age comprising, in combination:

3. The invention as defined in claim 2, wherein: (a) a cigarette having a tubular wrapper,

(a) the passages through the granules are in haphazard (b) a filter plug in said wrapper adjacent the mouthdirections. piece end thereof,

The invention as defined in claim 2, wherein: (c) a frangible, moisture and flavor-containing capsule (a) the passage through the granules comprise sets, disposed adjacent the said filter plug,

(b) the passages in each set being in parallelism. (d) said capsule including flavoring agents in addition 5. The invention as defined in claim 1, wherein: to the moisture contained therein,

(a) the mass of compressed charcoal contains pectin a t a string connected with the capsule and passtO aid the retention Of the moisture in the charing out at the mouthpiece end 0f the cigarette wrapcoal. per, to enable the capsule to be ruptured by a pull 6. The invention as defined in claim 1, wherein: on id t t in (a)them0i$tu1'e'11tai11il1g caPsules having tear Strings (f) package in which the cigarette is disposed, said Connected thereto and Passing Out of the Said jacket tear string being secured and anchored to the said and adapted to be pulled. package whereby withdrawal of the cigarette from 7. The inventi n as d fin d in Claim wherein! the package will cause the tear string to automati- (a) the tear strings are attached to the capsules each cally rupfiure th capsule,

at two separated points, thereby to eifect both a 13. The combination as defined in claim 12, wherein tearing and a collapsing of the capsules. there are additional cigarettes in the package, each cig- A filter Cigarette Comprising, in Combination: arette having a tear string secured to the package and having a rupturable capsule connected with a corresponding tear string whereby removal of any one cigarette will effect a rupture of the capsule thereof.

(a) a mass of compressed charcoal,

(b) frangible, moisture-containing capsules disposed outwardly of and at opposite sides of the mass, and

(c) a wrapper surrounding said charcoal mass and capsules, and References Cited (dt) tobaccto the wrapper, adjacent one of the mois- UNITED STATES PATENTS ure-con aming capsu es. 9. The invention as defined in claim 8, wherein: 2 g (a) a cellulose filter is provided in the wrapper, ad- 3 3 1317-10-1 jacent the other of the moisture-containing capsules Louls 13110-1 X to retain the same in the wrapper. FOREIGN PATENTS prilstluigAsina (flwbialgiggenof manufacture, a cigarette com- 243,199 11/1925 Great Britain (a) a tubular Wrapper, OTHER REFERENCES a filter p in said w pp adiacent m the mouth- Puchert, 'M.: Germ-an DAS No. 1,077,127, published March 3, 1960.

SAMUEL KOREN, Primary Examiner.

D. I. DONOHUE, Assistant Examiner.

piece end thereof,

(c) a frangible, moisture containing capsule disposed in the wrapper inwardly of and in tandem with the said filter plug,

(d) a tear string connected with the capsule and pass- 

8. A FILTER CIGARETTE COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION: (A) A MASS OF COMPRESSED CHARCOAL, (B) FRANGIBLE, MOISTURE-CONTAINING CAPSULES DISPOSED OUTWARDLY OF AND AT OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE MASS, AND (C) A WRAPPER SURROUNDING SAID CHARCOAL MASS AND CAPSULES, AND (D) TOBACCO IN THE WRAPPER, ADJACENT ONE OF THE MOISTURE-CONTAINING CAPSULES. 